Fantazius Mallare A Mysterious Oath is a novel by American writer Ben Hecht. It was first published in 1922 and is considered a classic of American literature. The book tells the story of a man named Fantazius Mallare, a reclusive artist who lives in a secluded mansion in the woods. Mallare is obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect work of art and spends all his time in his studio, experimenting with different techniques and materials. However, Mallare's obsession takes a dark turn when he begins to delve into the world of the occult and becomes involved with a group of sinister characters who practice black magic. As Mallare becomes more and more entangled in this dangerous world, he begins to lose his grip on reality and descends into madness.The novel is written in a highly stylized and poetic prose that is both eerie and mesmerizing. Hecht's use of language is particularly striking, with vivid descriptions of Mallare's twisted and surreal world. The book is a haunting explo